CIMMYT Series on Carbohydrates, Wheat, Grains, and Health: Impact of Minerals, Phytochemicals, Specific Grain-Based Foods, and Dietary Patterns on Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease

Incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease is increasing as the mean age of Western populations rises. This article, the second article of a two-part review, assesses the existing scientific literature addressing the role of minerals, phytochemicals, specific grain-based foods, and dietary patterns, with and without grains, to determine whether these foods and their constituents affect the onset or course of these common dementias, as has been alleged in various books, blogs, and other media. Intakes and serum markers of mineral and phytonutrient intakes in many cases have been documented as low or below recommended levels in elderly individuals and patients with MCI, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease. However, it is not clear whether adequate intake of these minerals and phytonutrients from all sources, including grains, can impact the onset or course of these dementias. There are few published studies on specific grain-based foods and their relat...